AutoMod™

AutoMod™ is a discrete event simulation tool geared towards material flow for designing, analyzing and operating manufacturing systems. It is used to solve queueing, manufacturing and material-handling problems. The 3-D real-time animation feature and the interaction facility support the user designing, editing and debugging complex manufacturing problems. AutoMod™ enables the user to model virtually any type of system, from manufacturing environments to service industries. With these models, users can evaluate alternatives, identify system bottlenecks, answer questions about system capabilities, determine control strategies, communicate and test concepts, and conduct training. Model inputs are readable from any tab-delimited format, allowing flexibility in experimenting with model parameters.

AutoMod™automatically collects several statistics and generates comprehensive reports for each model run. Virtually unlimited customization of statistics collection and report generation is possible.

Several unique material handling constructs are built into the software and offered as extensions to the base product, which make modeling manufacturing systems both easier and more accurate than other simulation packages. All objects are created true to scale in 3-D and the user can import CAD files via an IGES translator included with the software. Large models are created quickly and easily via point-and-click drawing and filling in pop-up windows for various system entities. With AutoMod™ 's programming language, users can model systems in great detail.

AutoMod™ has the following add-on options: AutoStat, AutoView, Kinematics and the Model Communications Module (MCM): AutoStat allows additional sophisticated statistical analysis as well as the possibility to conduct "Designs of Experiments". With AutoView the user can create very detailed animastion movies. With Kinematics robotics with any kind of translational and rotational features can be generated and integrated into AutoMod™. The Model Communications Module allows the user to transfer information between a model and a control system, a model and a third-party application, and multiple models.

AutoSched/AutoSched AP™ is a natural extension to AutoMod™ and is AutoSimulations' finite capacity planning and scheduling tool that helps to increase throughput, reduce in-process inventory, and increase equipment and personnel utilization. AutoSched AP efficiently schedules all of the constraints in a factory, such as shift schedules, work setup rules, batching, preventative maintenance, machine efficiency, and operator skill classes. With AutoSched AP, you can identify your bottleneck resources and apply intelligent operating rules to improve performance. Scheduling with AutoSched AP allows to set accurate commit dates, based on the current mix of work, available resources, and existing commit dates.

AutoSched AP utilizes simulation and built-in task selection rules that allow to model how machines and personnel select tasks to increase factory performance. Users can easily customize task-selection rules to reflect their production goals. Rules can be continuously fine-tuned and new simulations run for achieving maximum productivity.

In addition to scheduling, AutoSched AP can be used as a planning tool for capacity analysis. Simulation technology makes it possible to quickly and easily consider "What-if" questions such as: What new equipment do we need to buy for producing the new product? Simply add the new equipment to the model, rerun it, and review the results. Effects of capital acquisitions, process changes, and changing product mixes can be evaluated prior to implementation.